693JJ920R000041 Questions and NHTSA Response.docx

RFP # 693JJ920R000041

ACN/AACN Research Plan Pilot Project

Questions and NHTSA Response:

1. SOW Section B.2 states that “the total estimated amount for the resultant task order is $TBD” and SOW Section G.8 states that “the amount presently available for payment by the government and allotted to this contract is $TBD”

a. Question: Would NHTSA consider providing an estimated level of effort for this solicitation?

NHTSA Response: The Offeror shall propose the level of effort that they determine suitable for accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Task Order.

b. Question: If an estimated level of effort is not available for this SOW, could the not-to-exceed ceiling amount be provided?

NHTSA Response: Offerors should submit their best effort with a cost proposal that supports the level of effort to accomplish the task order.

2. SOW Section L.8 states that “if academic papers are cited the citation shall be limited to one standard page in length”

a. Question: Is NHTSA indicating that the page listing all the citations shall be limited to one standard page in length?

NHTSA Response: Technical proposals are limited to no more than fifteen (15) standard pages. Resumes, table of contents, introduction, and listing of academic paper citations will not count against the page limits. However, offerors including data/information contained in academic papers as part of the submission, will be required to include academic paper citations limited to one (1) standard page.

b. Question: If so, is this page included within the fifteen-page total limit?

NHTSA Response: See previous response

3. SOW Section L.9, PART II: INTRODUCTION states that “the project challenges and issues shall describe important considerations in developing the survey methodology and carrying out the survey.” We understand that a survey may be an important tool and useful in carrying out this work.

3. Question: Does NHTSA expect that approvals beyond COR, ACOR, and/or CO will be required for any survey and/or interviews intended for use in the project? For example, is OMB PRA required?

NHTSA Response: Offerors who include surveys as part of the proposal should expect that all federal requirements for tools, methods, or surveys (e.g, OMB PRA clearance) would be required. Interviews intended for use as part of this project may/not require approvals beyond COR, ACOR, and/or CO, depending upon the number and nature of proposed interviews.

3. Question: If any additional approvals are expected, can NHTSA provide some guidance on the review time allotments that should be considered in the project’s work plan?

NHTSA Response: Offerors who include surveys as part of the project proposal should expect that all federal requirements for surveys would be required (i.e., minimum of sixty (60) day Federal Register notice, followed by thirty (30) day Federal Register notice, followed by OMB clearance).

1. SOW Section C.5.1 requires a Kickoff Meeting

4. Question: Should the contractor assume that travel will be required to NHTSA headquarters for this meeting?

NHTSA Response: Per Task C.5.1, Kickoff Meeting, the Offeror “shall attend/conduct a Kickoff Meeting with NHTSA Headquarter staff which may be planned in person or via teleconference. Please include travel to a Kickoff Meeting at NHTSA headquarters, Washington, DC in the Cost Proposal as an option, in additional to a teleconference, for the personnel that the Offeror determines critical to the success of the project.

4. Question: Should the contractor plan for a Final Briefing as well? If so, should the contractors assume that travel will be required to NHTSA headquarters for this meeting?

NHTSA Response: While the RFP, Section C.5, Specific Requirements does not require a Final Briefing, the Offeror may propose a Final Briefing, please include the justification for a Final Briefing. If included, please include travel to a Final Briefing meeting at NHTSA headquarters, Washington, DC in the Cost Proposal as an option, in additional to a teleconference, for the personnel that the Offeror determines critical to the success of the project in case such a meeting is deemed possible and productive.

1. Question: SOW Section G.6.2, “Key Personnel”. Are key personnel listed in Parts IV: Personnel Qualifications, and section M.4.2 only ones to be put on contract? Are we able to add other labor categories (perhaps not “key”) in our proposal?

NHTSA Response: Offerors can add other labor categories. Offerors are encouraged to include all labor categories considered to have an essential role in ensuring the success of the project. Please include a justification for the additional labor category.

1. Question: SOW Section L.10 “Business Proposal Instructions”. Should this section have a Table of Contents as well? In Section L.8 it notes that the Volume II should have Parts I-III, and lists table of contents, but in Section L.10, it omits the Table of Contents and only lists Part 1- Cost/Price Information and Part II: Other Financial/Organization Information.

NHTSA Response: A Table of Contents is not a requirement for the Business Proposal.

1. Question: For the response does the IT Security need to just be a statement asserting document as virus free, or does proof of virus protection software need to be provided?

NHTSA Response: As stated in the RFP, “The Offeror shall certify that each electronic submission (i.e., CD) has been checked using a current version of virus detection software (no older than six (6) months)) and has been identified as virus free.”

1. SOW Section M.4.2 “Personnel Qualifications”. Are there specific qualifications needed for the key personnel listed, or is this all covered under this section? For example, are there specific years of experience expected for certain individuals? In Section G.6.1, information is given for the Program Manger, but no other Key Personnel.

NHTSA Response: Qualifications for the personnel included in section M.4.2 of the RFP may vary, depending upon experience and expertise. Offerors are encouraged to propose personnel for these categories of personnel, as well as any others deemed necessary; and include resumes and any other information providing information regarding why these individuals are qualified to be considered capable of successfully carrying out the tasks included in the request for proposals.